Amazon, Google Dispute Causes Fire TV Casualties

Fire TV customers lose access to YouTube app due to Amazon's lack of desire to sell Google's products on their website

Image/Photo Credit: Amazon

A major dispute between Amazon and Google over the Chromecast device has spilled over to Amazon's Fire TV, causing Fire TV customers to lose access to YouTube.

Google's retaliation, by blocking the use of the official Fire TV YouTube app, comes after the search giant accused Amazon of not selling Google's products on the Amazon website, and for failing to add Chromecast support to Amazon's Prime Video service.

"Given this lack of reciprocity, we are no longer supporting YouTube on Echo Show and FireTV. We hope we can reach an agreement to resolve these issues soon," a Google spokeswoman said earlier last month.

For now Fire TV users will now have to resort to using a workaround to view YouTube videos. Amazon are advising users to install the Firefox or Silk browser and then access the YouTube website through these apps instead.

Talks between Amazon and Google are progressing, with Amazon now listing the Chromecast device for sale on its website. But it is unknown when, and if, a firm agreement can be found that will re-enable the YouTube app across Amazon's devices.